Spring is the perfect time to make an appointment with your Family Healthcare of Siouxland doctor for an annual sports physical. That’s because it is the unofficial start of the athletic season: track, soccer, softball, baseball, volleyball, football, you name it. Before your kids, and you, get too busy, make sure to schedule a physical.
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, the best time to schedule a physical is at least six weeks before the start of preseason practice for the respective sport’s season. This gives your physician enough time to further evaluate and treat any problems that are discovered during the physical. Planning ahead for a physical also encourages athletes, who may not be in the physical condition they need to be in, to get motivated before the season starts. This reduces the chance of injury once practice begins.
A yearly physical includes an assessment of the patient’s health history, a look into the family’s health history and the general physical.
The general physical is very simple and straightforward; your student athlete shouldn’t be worried. The doctor gains most of the information he or she needs just by watching and talking to the patient. The procedures involved can vary, but for students, they usually consist of gathering the basic information.
The doctor will look at:
- Eyes/Ears/Nose/Throat
- Pupil Size
- Mouth & Teeth
- Neck
- Lymph Nodes
- Abdomen
- Skin
The doctor may also check:
- Blood Pressure
- Heart Rate
- Respiration Rate
- Temperature
The doctor will ask questions about how the patient generally feels, any pain, etc.
Spring physicals are also a great idea for adults. People tend to enjoy the outdoors more when temperatures go up. Many athletic activities start in spring as well: club sports, intramural sports, fun runs, endurance runs and so on. Even if you aren’t an adult “athlete,” spring gets people outside to garden, walk the dog, go for casual bike rides and so on. A physical can help determine if your body is healthy for whatever activity you choose.
Family Healthcare of Siouxland has clinic locations in Indian Hills, Morningside, Northside, Dakota Dunes, and South Sioux City. Call one of our locations today to schedule you or your child’s spring physical.